Edge-lit light kit for ceiling fans

ABSTRACT

A ceiling fan is provided. The ceiling fan includes one or more fan blades. The ceiling fan further includes a motor. The motor is operatively coupled to the one or more fan blades. The motor is configured to drive rotation of the one or more fan blades. The ceiling fan further includes a light kit. The light kit includes a panel. The panel has an edge extending between a top surface of the panel and a bottom surface of the panel. The light kit further includes at least one light source positioned to illuminate the edge.

RELATED CASES

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/857,646, filed Apr. 24, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,454,244, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/837,838, filed on Apr. 24, 2019, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments generally relate to ceiling fans and, more particularly, toedge-lit light kits for ceiling fans.

SUMMARY

Ceiling fans may be configured to circulate air within a room. Exampleceiling fans include a plurality of fan blades and a motor operativelycoupled to the fan blades. The motor is configured to receive an inputpower from a power source and converts the input power to mechanicalenergy needed to drive rotation of the fan blades to circulate the airwithin the room.

In one embodiment, a ceiling fan includes one or more fan blades. Theceiling fan furthers include a motor operatively coupled to the one ormore fan blades and configured to drive rotation of the one or more fanblades. The ceiling fan further includes a light kit comprising a panelhaving an edge extending between a top surface of the panel and a bottomsurface of the panel. The light kit further include at least one lightsource positioned to illuminate the edge.

In some embodiments, the panel includes a light guide. In someembodiments, the light kit further includes a diffuser positioned suchthat the diffuser diffuses light exiting the panel. In some embodiments,the light kit further includes a light reflector positioned to reflectlight exiting the panel. In some embodiments, the panel is positionedbetween the light reflector and the diffuser. In some embodiments, theat least one light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED) arrayhaving a plurality of LED light sources. In some embodiments, the one ormore fan blades are positioned between the light kit and a ceiling towhich the ceiling fan is mounted. In some embodiments, the ceiling fanfurther includes a body configured to accommodate the panel and the atleast one light source.

In some embodiments, the ceiling fan further comprises a first switchingdevice configured to control operation of the motor, and a secondswitching device configured to control operation of the at least onelight source. In some embodiments, the second switching device isconfigured to adjust a color temperature of light emitted from the atleast one light source. In some embodiments, the first switching deviceand the second switching device each comprise a pull chain switch. Insome embodiments, the second switching device is mounted such that thesecond switching device extends through an opening defined by thediffuser.

In another embodiment, a light kit for a ceiling fan comprises a panelhaving an edge extending between a top surface of the panel and a bottomsurface of the panel. The light kit further includes at least one lightsource positioned to illuminate the edge of the panel, and a mountingbracket configured to secure the light kit to the ceiling fan.

In some embodiments, the light kit includes a diffuser positioned todiffuse light exiting the panel. In some embodiments, the light kitincludes a light reflector positioned to reflect light exiting thepanel. In some embodiments, the panel is positioned between the lightreflector and a diffuser positioned to diffuse light exiting the panel.In some embodiments, the at least one light source is positioned betweenthe light reflector and a diffuser positioned to diffuse light exitingthe panel. In some embodiments, the light kit further includes a bodyhaving a lip to support the panel, and a backplate coupleable to thebody such that the panel is positioned between the backplate and the lipof the body.

In some embodiments, the mounting bracket is removably coupled to thebackplate via one or more fasteners extending through one or more slotsdefined by the backplate. In some embodiments, the light kit furtherincludes a switching device configured to control operation of the atleast one light source. In some embodiments, the switching device ismounted to a body of the light kit. In some embodiments, the switchingdevice is mounted such that the switching device extends through anopening defined by a diffuser. In some embodiments, the at least onelight source comprises a light emitting diode (LED) array having aplurality of LED light sources. In some embodiments, the light kitfurther includes a camera positioned within an opening defined by adiffuser.

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will beset forth in part in the following description, or may be learned fromthe description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill inthe art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to theappended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a ceiling fan suspended from aceiling according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 provides an exploded view of a ceiling fan according to someembodiments;

FIG. 3 provides a bottom-up view of a ceiling fan according to someembodiments;

FIG. 4 provides a ceiling fan having a light kit according to someembodiments;

FIG. 5 provides an exploded view of a portion of the ceiling fandepicted in FIG. 4 according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 provides an exploded view of a light kit for a ceiling fanaccording to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional view of a portion of a light kitaccording to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 provides a top-down view of a light kit for a ceiling accordingto some embodiments;

FIG. 9 provides a fan having a light kit according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 provides a bottom-up view of the light kit depicted in FIG. 9according to some embodiments;

FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thelight kit according to some embodiments;

FIG. 12 provides a cross-sectional view of the light kit of FIG. 11according to some embodiments;

FIG. 13 provides a schematic of a system for a light kit according tosome embodiments; and

FIG. 14 provides a block diagram of components of a computing deviceaccording to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or moreexamples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example isprovided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of thepresent disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variations can be made to theembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentdisclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part ofone embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the presentdisclosure cover such modifications and variations.

The light kit of the present disclosure can provide numerous technicalbenefits. For instance, positioning the light source to illuminate theedge of the panel allow for light to be uniformly distributed throughthe diffuser of the light kit. In this manner, the appearance of severallight sources each individually emitting light can be avoided.Furthermore, positioning the light source to illuminate the edge of thepanel makes the light kit suitable for low profile lightingapplications.

As used herein, a “light kit” refers to a device used to provide lightor illumination using one or more light sources. In addition, the terms“first” and “second” may be used interchangeably to distinguish onecomponent from another and are not intended to signify location orimportance of the individual components. Furthermore, the use of theterm “about” in conjunction with a numerical value is intended to referto within 25% of the stated numerical value.

Referring now to the FIGS., FIGS. 1 through 3 depict a ceiling fan 100according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The fan 100may be removably mounted to a ceiling 110 separating a first space 112(e.g., positioned beneath the ceiling 110) from a second space 114(e.g., positioned above the ceiling 110). In some embodiments, the fan100 includes a plurality of fan blades 130. As shown, each the pluralityof blades 130 may be coupled to a blade hub 132. More specifically, eachof the blades 130 may be coupled to the blade hub 132 via a blade arm134. It should be appreciated that the blade arm 134 may be coupled tothe blade hub 132 and a corresponding fan blade 130 via a suitablefastener (e.g., screw, bolt, etc.). As shown, the fan blades 130 may becoupled to the blade hub 132 via the blade arm 134 such that the fanblades 130 are spaced apart from one another along a circumferentialdirection C.

In some embodiments, the fan 100 includes an electric motor 140. Themotor 140 may be configured to receive an input power from a powersource, such as an alternating current (AC) power source or a directcurrent (DC) power source. Furthermore, the motor 140 may be operativelycoupled to the blades 130 via the blade hub 132. In this manner, themotor 140 may convert the input power into mechanical energy needed todrive rotation of the blades 130 along the circumferential direction C.In some embodiments, the motor 140 may be configured to drive rotationof the blades 130 in a first direction D₁ or a second direction D₂ thatis different than the first direction D₁. For example, the blades 130move air in the first space 112 towards the ceiling 110 when rotated inthe first direction D₁. Conversely, the blades 130 may move air awayfrom the ceiling 110 when rotated in the second direction D₂. Morespecifically, the blades 130 may move air towards a floor 116 definingthe first space 112.

In some embodiments, the fan 100 includes a fan motor housing 150configured to accommodate the motor 140. More specifically, the motor140 may be positioned within a cavity 152 defined by the fan motorhousing 150. In addition, the fan 100 may include a cover 154 that maybe coupled to the fan motor housing 150. In particular, the cover 154may be coupled to the fan motor housing 150 such that the motor 140positioned within the cavity 152 may be hidden from view.

As shown, the fan 100 may be suspended from the ceiling 110 via adownrod 160 having a first end 162 and a second end 164. It should beappreciated that the first end 162 and the second end 164 may be spacedapart from one another along a length L of the downrod 160. In someembodiments, the first end 162 of the downrod 160 may be coupled to asupport (e.g., mounting bracket) positioned within the ceiling 110 orthe second space 114. In addition, the housing 150 may be coupled to thesecond end 164 of the downrod 160.

In some embodiments, operation of the fan 100 is controlled by a controlsystem 166. The control system 166 may include a wall-switch that may bemanipulated to selectively couple the motor 140 to a power supply. Inthis way, the control system 166 may selectively activate (e.g., turnon) or deactivate (e.g., turn off) the motor 140 to control rotation ofthe blades 130. In some embodiments, the control system 166 controlsoperation of other devices. For instance, the control system 166 may beconfigured to adjust a position of window blinds (not shown) in thefirst space 112. More specifically, the control system 166 may adjust aposition of the window blinds to or towards a fully open position or afully closed position. In this way, an amount of natural light enteringthe first space 112 through one or more windows is controlled.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the fan 100 may include a switchhousing 170 coupled to the fan motor housing 150. In particular, theswitch housing 170 may be coupled to the fan motor housing 150 such thatthe fan motor housing 150 is positioned between the ceiling 110 and theswitch housing 170. In some embodiments, the switching housing 170 iscoupled to a first support 180 extending from the fan motor housing 150.As will be discussed below in more detail, the switch housing 170 mayaccommodate a switching device 172 configured to control operation ofthe fan 100.

As shown, in some embodiments the switching device 172 is a pull-chainswitch that may be pulled by a user to control operation of fan 100. Forinstance, the pull-chain may be pulled by the user to couple the motor140 to the power source such that the motor 140 receives electricalpower from the power source and converts the electrical power tomechanical energy to drive rotation of the blades 130. In this manner,rotation of the blades 130 may circulate air within the first space 112.In addition, the user may pull the pull-chain switch again to decouplethe motor 140 from the power source such that the motor 140 no longerreceives electrical power from the power source and, as a result, nolonger drives rotation of the blades 130. In some embodiments, thepull-chain is pulled to adjust a speed (e.g., slow, medium, fast) atwhich the motor 140 rotates the blades 130.

In some embodiments, the fan 100 includes a cover 176 removably coupledto the switch housing 170 such that electrical conductors 178 (e.g.,wires) positioned within the switch housing 170 may be hidden from view.As shown, in some embodiments the switch housing 170 defines a firstplurality of holes or apertures 190. In addition, the cover 176 maydefine a second plurality of holes or apertures 192. The cover 176 maybe mounted to the switch housing 170 such that each of the secondplurality of apertures 192 defined by the cover 176 is aligned with acorresponding aperture of the first plurality of apertures 190 definedby the switching housing 170. Furthermore, fasteners 194 may be used tosecure the cover 176 to the switch housing 170. In some embodiments, thefasteners 194 are screws. However, any suitable type of fastener may beused to secure the cover 176 to the switching housing 170.

It should also be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limitedto the fan 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5 . Forexample, the fan 100 may be a bladeless fan. It should also beappreciated that the present disclosure is intended to cover ceilingfans suitable for outdoor environments, indoor environments, or both.

Referring still to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the fan 100 includes a light kit 200.As shown, the light kit 200 may be coupled to the switch housing 170. Inparticular, the light kit 200 may be coupled to a second support 196extending through an aperture (not shown) defined by the cover 176 forthe switch housing 170. It should be appreciated, however, that thelight kit 200 may be coupled to any suitable location on the fan 100. Aswill be discussed below in more detail, the light kit 200 may beconfigured to illuminate the first space 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 8 , the light kit 200 may include apanel 210. As shown, the panel 210 includes a top surface 212 and abottom surface 214. In addition, the panel 210 may include an edge 216extending between the top surface 212 and the bottom surface 214. Insome embodiments, the panel 210 may be a light guide. As will bediscussed below in more detail, the light kit 200 may include a lightsource 220 positioned to illuminate the edge 216 of the panel 210. Inthis way, the panel 210 acts as an edge lit light source forilluminating a space beneath the ceiling fan 100.

In some embodiments, the light source 220 may be a LED array having aplurality of LED light sources 222 positioned to illuminate the edge 216of the panel 210. It should be appreciated that a color temperature oflight emitted by the plurality of LED light sources 222 may correspondto any suitable color and/or color temperature of light. For example,the LED light sources 222 may be configured to emit light having a colortemperature of about 3000K. As another example, the LED light sources222 may be configured to emit light having a color temperature of about5000K.

In some embodiments, the light kit 200 includes a driver circuit 230.The driver circuit 230 may, for instance, receive an input power from apower source (e.g., mains power supply) via the conductors 178 (FIG. 5 )positioned within the switch housing 170. The driver circuit 230 may beconfigured to convert the input power to a driver current suitable forpowering the light source 220. The driver circuit 230 may includevarious components, such as switching elements (e.g., transistors). Gatetiming commands may be provided to the one or more switching elements toconvert the AC input power to the driver current. In some embodiments,the driver circuit 230 is potted. In other embodiments, the drivercircuit 230 is not potted.

In example embodiments, the driver circuit 230 adjusts the driver outputbased, at least in part, on a dimming control signal (e.g., 0V to 10Vdimming control signal). More specifically, the dimming control signalmay be indicative of a voltage (e.g., 0V to 10V) at a control input ofthe driver circuit 230. For example, reducing the dimming control signalby 50% may result in a corresponding reduction in the driver outputprovided to the light source 220. The reduction of the driver output mayreduce the overall driver current for supply to the light source 220. Asa result, the lumen output of the light source 220 may be adjusted(e.g., dimmed) by varying the dimming control signal.

In some embodiments, the light kit 200 includes a light reflector 240positioned to reflect or absorb light exiting the panel 210. Forexample, the light reflector 240 may be positioned such that lightexiting the top surface 212 of the panel 210 may be absorbed orreflected back towards the panel 210, specifically the top surface 212thereof Alternatively or additionally, the light kit 200 may include adiffuser 250 positioned to diffuse light exiting panel 210. Forinstance, the diffuser 250 may be positioned to diffuse light exitingthe bottom surface 214 of the panel 210. In this manner, the lightexiting the bottom surface 214 of the panel 210 is distributed in auniform manner.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the diffuser 250 includes apatterned surface. For instance, the patterned surface may correspond toa pattern of wallpaper used on one or more walls of the first space 112(FIG. 4 ) in which the fan 100 is located. Alternatively, the patternedsurface may correspond to the pattern (e.g., hardwood, tile, laminate,linoleum, vinyl, etc.) of the floor 116 (FIG. 1 ) defining the firstspace 112. As another alternative, the patterned surface may correspondto the pattern of the ceiling 110 (FIG. 4 ) defining the first space112.

In some embodiments, the patterned surface includes one or more logos.For instance, the one or more logos may be associated with a sports team(e.g., football, basketball, baseball, etc.). Alternatively, the one ormore logos may be associated with a company or individual. It should beappreciated, however, that the one or more logos may be associated withany suitable source.

In some embodiments, the light kit 200 includes a body 260. As shown,the body 260 may include a lip 262. The diffuser 250 may be positionedon the lip 262 such that a portion of the diffuser 250 is visiblethrough an opening 264 defined by the body 260. In addition, the panel210 and the light reflector 240 may be stacked on top of the diffuser250 such that the panel 210 is positioned between the light reflector240 and the diffuser 250 along a vertical direction V.

In some embodiments, the light kit 200 includes a backplate 270. Asshown, the backplate 270 may define a third plurality of holes orapertures 272 and may be positioned on the body 260 such that each ofthe third plurality of apertures 272 is aligned with a correspondinghole or aperture (not shown) defined by the body 260. Furthermore,fasteners (not shown) may be used to secure the backplate 270 to thebody 260. In some embodiments, the fasteners are screws. It should beappreciated, however, that any suitable type of fastener may be used tosecure the backplate 270 to the body 260. It should be appreciated thatthe panel 210, light reflector 240, and diffuser 250 may be retainedwithin the body 260 when the backplate 270 is secured to body 260.

In some embodiments, the driver circuit 230 may be mounted to thebackplate 270. In particular, the driver circuit 230 may be mounted tothe backplate 270 such that the driver circuit 230 is positioned betweenthe panel 210 and the backplate 270. Alternatively or additionally, thebackplate 270 may define one or more slots 274. In this manner, amounting bracket 280 of the light kit 200 may be secured to thebackplate 270 via fasteners 282 extending through the one or more slots274. The mounting bracket 280 may be used to secure the light kit 200 tothe fan 100 such that the blades 130 are positioned between the lightkit 200 and the ceiling 110. In particular, the mounting bracket 280 maybe used to secure the light kit 200 to the second support 196 (FIG. 4 )extending from the switch housing 170.

In some embodiments, the light kit 200 includes an adhesive material 290positioned between the diffuser 250 and the lip 262 of the body 260. Inthis manner, the adhesive material 290 secures the diffuser 250 to thelip 262 of the body 260. In some embodiments, the adhesive material 290includes silicone. It should be appreciated, however, that any suitabletype of adhesive material that may be used to secure the diffuser 250 tothe body 260.

In some embodiments, the light kit 200 includes a gasket 292 positionedbetween the light reflector 240 and the backplate 270. As such, thepanel 210 and the light source 220 may be protected from an externalenvironment (e.g., first space 112) surrounding the light kit 200. Inthis manner, the light kit 200 may be suitable for use with ceiling fansused in outdoor environments.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the light kit 200 includes aswitching device 300 configured to control operation of the light kit200. In some embodiments, the switching device 300 may be a pull-chainswitch mounted to the body 260 of the light kit 200. In particular, thepull-chain switch may be pulled by a user to selectively couple thelight source 220 (FIG. 6 ) to the power source. When the light source220 is coupled to the power source via the switching device 300, thelight source 220 may receive electrical power from the power source. Inthis manner, the light source 220 illuminates the edge 216 (FIG. 6 ) ofthe panel 210 (FIG. 6 ). When the light source 220 is decoupled from thepower source, the light source 220 does not receive electrical powerfrom the power source and, as a result, does not illuminate the edge 216of the panel 210. In this manner, the switching device 300 may beactuated (e.g., pulled) to activate (e.g., turn on) the light source 220and deactivate (e.g., turn off) the light source 220. In someembodiments, the switching device 300 may be actuated (e.g., pulled) toadjust a color temperature of light emitted from the light source 220(FIG. 6 ). In alternative embodiments, however, the light kit 200includes a separate switching device that may be actuated to adjust thecolor temperature of light emitted from the light source 220. In suchembodiments, the separate switching device may be mounted to the body260.

In some embodiments, the light kit 200 includes a bracket 302 that maybe attached to the body 260 of the light kit 200 via one or morefasteners 304 (FIG. 8 ). Alternatively or additionally, the light kit200 may include a decorative trim 310. For instance, the trim 310 mayaccommodate the body 260 having a diameter of about 5 inches, about 7inches, about 11 inches, about 14 inches, or about 18 inches. In thismanner, the body 260 may be hidden from view when the trim 310 ismounted to the body 260. It should be appreciated that the trim 310 maybe mounted to the body 260 via any suitable method. For instance, insome embodiments the trim 310 engages one or more tabs (not shown) onthe body 260.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 , another light kit 400 is providedaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should beappreciated that the light kit 400 of FIG. 9 may be configured insubstantially the same manner as the light kit 200 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 4-8 . For instance, the light kit 400 of FIG. 9 mayinclude a body 460 similar to the body 260 of the light kit 200 depictedin FIG. 6 . In addition, the light kit 400 of FIG. 9 may include aswitching device 500 similar to the switching device 300 of the lightkit 200 depicted in FIG. 4 . However, the switching device 500 may notbe mounted to the body 460 of the light kit 400, and instead may bemounted such that the switching device 500 extends through an opening(not shown) defined by the diffuser 450 of the light kit 400. Morespecifically, the opening may be positioned at about a center of thediffuser 450. The diffuser 450 may be similar to that of the diffuser250.

In some embodiments, the switching device 500 is a pull-chain switch. Insuch embodiments, the light kit 400 may include a canopy 510. As shown,the canopy 510 may be mounted such that the canopy 510 covers theportion of the diffuser 450 defining the opening through which theswitching device 500 extends. Furthermore, the canopy 510 may define anopening 512 configured to accommodate the pull-chain switch extendingtherethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 , another light kit 540 is providedaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should beappreciated that the light kit 540 of FIG. 11 may be configured insubstantially the same manner as the light kit 400 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 9 and 10 . For instance, the light kit 540 mayinclude a body 555 and a backplate 550. In some embodiments, the body555 is substantially curved. In other embodiments, the body 555 mayinclude square edges, arced edges, or edges of other desired shapes.Furthermore, fasteners 560 may be used to secure the cover backplate 550to the body 555. In some embodiments, the fasteners 560 are screws.However, any suitable type of fastener may be used to secure thebackplate 550 to the body 555. Furthermore, more or less fasteners 560may be used.

In addition, the light kit 540 of FIG. 11 may include a switching device565 similar to the switching device 500 depicted in FIG. 9 . Asillustrated, the switching device 565 extends through an opening 580.Although the opening 580 is shown as being positioned at the side of thebody 555, the opening 580 may be positioned at a center of the body 555.In some embodiments, the switching device 565 is a pull-chain switch.

The light kit 540 further includes a mounting bracket 570 configured toconnect the light kit 540 to the fan 100. As shown in FIG. 12 , themounting bracket 570 is removably secured to the light kit 540 via abracket connector 585. The mounting bracket 570 extends from the bracketconnector 585 through an opening of the backplate 550. In someembodiments, the mounting bracket 570 is threaded such that the mountingbracket 570 may screw into a corresponding receiving portion of the fan100.

In some embodiments, the light kit 540 includes a knockout portion 575of a driver housing 590. The knockout portion 575 may be, for example,an opening (or aperture) in the driver housing 590. In some embodiments,the knockout portion 575 extends through the backplate 550. The knockoutportion 575 may assist in reducing vibration experienced by the lightkit 540 due to the driver circuit 230. Additionally, reducing thevibration experienced by the light kit 540 further assists in minimizingexcess noise created by the system.

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram of components of a system 600 for thelight kit 200 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4-8 , light kit400 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , and light kit 540discussed above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 . As shown, the system600 includes an image capture device 610 (e.g., camera) that is includedas part of the light kit 200, 400. In some embodiments, the imagecapture device 610 may be positioned within an opening (not shown)defined by the diffuser 250, 450 (FIGS. 6 and 10 ) of the light kit 200,400. It should be appreciated, however, that the image capture device610 may be positioned at any suitable location on the light kit 200,400.

In some embodiments, the image capture device 610 includes a lens 612and an image sensor 614. The lens 612 may focus light (e.g., visible,infrared) onto the image sensor 614. More specifically, the lens 612 mayfocus light that is within a field of view of the lens 612. It should beappreciated that the field of view of the lens 612 may be any suitablevalue. For example, the lens 612 may be a panoramic lens having a fieldof view of about three hundred and sixty degrees (360°). In someembodiments, the lens 612 is a fisheye lens. More specifically, thefisheye lens may have a field of view between about one hundred andfifty degrees (150°) and about one hundred and eighty degrees (180°).

The image sensor 614 may convert the light into an image depictingwhatever is within the field of view of the lens 612. In someembodiments, a portion of the first space 112 (FIG. 1 ) may be withinthe field of view of the lens 612. More specifically, the portion of thefirst space 112 may include a doorway (not shown) through which a personenters and exits the first space 112. In this way, the image capturedevice 610 may capture one or more images (e.g., video) of a personentering or exiting the first space 112.

In some embodiments, the system 600 includes a microphone 620 that isincluded as part of the light kit 200, 400. For instance, the microphone620 may be positioned within an opening defined by the diffuser 250, 450of the light kit 200, 400. It should be appreciated, however, that themicrophone 620 may be positioned at any suitable location on the lightkit 200, 400. In this way, the microphone 620 may detect audible soundsoccurring in the first space 112. The microphone 620 may convert theaudible sounds to electrical signals indicative of the audio in thefirst space 112.

The system 600 may also include one or more environmental sensors 630included as part of the light kit 200, 400. The one or moreenvironmental sensors 630 may be operable to sense at least oneenvironmental parameter of the first space 112. For example, the one ormore sensors 630 may detect humidity (e.g., specific, relative, etc.) ofthe air within the first space 112. Alternatively or additionally, theone or more sensors 630 may detect a temperature of the air within thefirst space 112. It should be appreciated that the present disclosure isnot limited to the environmental parameters (that is, humidity andtemperature) discussed above. For example, the environmental parametermay include, without limitation, a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor and aradon gas sensor.

As shown, the system 600 includes one or more computing devices 640included as part of the light kit 200, 400. FIG. 14 illustrates oneembodiment of suitable components of the computing device(s) 640. Asshown, the computing device(s) 640 includes one or more processors 642configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions. Asused herein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuitsreferred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refersto a controller, microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logiccontroller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), aField Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and other programmable circuits.

In addition, the computing device(s) 640 includes a memory device 644.Examples of the memory device 644 includes computer-readable mediaincluding, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media,such as RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, or other suitable memorydevices. The memory device 644 may store information accessible by theprocessor(s) 642, including computer-readable instructions 646 that canbe executed by the processor(s) 642. The computer-readable instructions646 may be any set of instructions that, when executed by theprocessor(s) 642, cause the processor(s) 642 to perform operations. Thecomputer-readable instructions 646 may be software written in anysuitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. In someexample embodiments, the computer-readable instructions 646 may beexecuted by the computing device(s) 640 to perform operations, such asgenerating one or more control actions to control operation of theceiling fan 100 and/or the light kit 200, 400. Alternatively oradditionally, the computer-readable instructions 646 may be executed bythe computing device(s) 640 to generate one or more control actions tocontrol operation of one or more remote devices, such as the controlsystem 166 associated with the first space 112. In some embodiments, thecomputer-readable instructions 646 may be executed by the computingdevice 640 to communicate information to one or more other remotedevices.

The memory device 644 may further store data 648 that can be accessed bythe computing device 640. In some embodiments, the data 648 includesimage data captured by the image capture device 610, data indicative ofan environmental parameter detected by the one or more sensors 630,audible sounds detected by the microphone 620, or any combinationthereof.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14 , the computing device(s) 640 mayinclude a communications interface 650. In example embodiments, thecommunications interface 650 may include associated electronic circuitrythat can be used to communicatively couple the computing device 640 withother devices, such as the control system 166, a user device 670, aserver 680, or any other computing device. In some embodiments, thecommunication interface 650 may allow the computing device(s) 640 tocommunicate directly with other devices. In other embodiments, thecommunication interface 650 provides for communication with otherdevices over a network 690.

The network 690 may be any suitable type of network, such as a localarea network (e.g., intranet), wide area network (e.g., internet), lowpower wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, etc.),or some combination thereof and can include any number of wired orwireless links. In general, communication over the network 690 may beimplemented via any type of wired or wireless connection, using a widevariety of communication protocols, encodings or formats, and/orprotection schemes.

Example communication technologies used in accordance with exampleaspects of the present disclosure may include, for instance, Bluetoothlow energy, Bluetooth mesh networking, near-field communication, Thread,TLS (Transport Layer Security), Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE, 802.11), Wi-Fi Direct(for peer-to-peer communication), Z-Wave, Zigbee, Halow, cellularcommunication, LTE, low-power wide area networking, VSAT, Ethernet, MoCA(Multimedia over Coax Alliance), PLC (Power-line communication), DLT(digital line transmission) , etc. Other suitable wired and/or wirelesscommunication technologies may be used without deviating from the scopeof the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the computing device(s) 640 communicates with thecontrol system 166 to activate (e.g., turn on) or deactivate (e.g., turnoff) the light source 220 of the light kit 200, 400. Alternatively oradditionally, the computing device(s) 640 may communicate with thecontrol system 166 to activate or deactivate one or more light sourcesthat are separate from the light source 220 of the light kit 200, 400.As will be discussed below in more detail, the computing device(s) 640may be configured to activate one or more light sources based, at leastin part, on data (e.g., data signals collected from the image capturedevice 610) indicating presence of one or more persons within the firstspace 112.

In some embodiments, the computing device(s) 640 communicates with thecontrol system 166 to activate or deactivate the motor 140 (FIG. 2 ) ofthe fan 100 (FIG. 4, 9 ). In this way, rotation of the fan blades 130may be controlled. In some embodiments, the computing device(s) 640control operation of the image capture device 610 and the ceiling fan100 independently of each other. For example, operation of the imagecapture device 610 and operation of the motor 140 may be controlledindependently of each other. Alternatively or additionally, operation ofthe image capture device 610 and operation of the light kit 200, 400 maybe controlled independently of each other. For example, operation of theimage capture device 610 and the light source 220 may be controlledindependent of each other. In some embodiments, the computing device(s)640 is configured to activate the motor 140 of the fan 100 based, atleast in part, on data (e.g., data signals collected from the imagecapture device 610) indicating presence of one or more persons withinthe room or area in which the fan 100 is located.

In some embodiments, the computing device(s) 640 communicates with theuser device 670 over the network 690. The user device 670 may be anysuitable type of device, such as, for example, a personal computingdevice (e.g., laptop or desktop), a mobile computing device (e.g.,smartphone or tablet), a wearable computing device, an embeddedcomputing device, a remote, or any other suitable type of user computingdevice. The user device 670 may include one or more computing device(s)with the same or similar components as described above with regard tocomputing device(s) 640 of the system 600. For instance, the computingdevice of the user device 670 may include one or more processors and oneor more memory devices that store instructions that are executable bythe computing device to cause user device 670 to perform operations,such as e.g., communicating one or more control signals over the network690 to the computing device(s) 640 of the system 600. In this way, auser may control operation of both the fan 100 and the light kit 200,400 via the user device 670. In addition, the user may use the userdevice 670 to control operation of the image capture device 610independent of the fan 100 and the light kit 200, 400.

In some embodiments, the computing device(s) 640 communicates data tothe user device 670 via communication interface 650. For instance, thecomputing device 640 may communicate image data captured by the imagecapture device 610 and/or audio data captured by the microphone 620 tothe user device 670. The information may be displayed (e.g., via adisplay device) or otherwise presented (e.g., via audio speakers) to theuser through a suitable interface. In this way, a user may observeactivity occurring within the first space 112.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated thatthose skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, andequivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the presentdisclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, andthe subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of suchmodifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matteras would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ceiling fan comprising: one or more fan blades;a motor operatively coupled to the one or more fan blades, the motorconfigured to drive rotation of the one or more fan blades; and a lightkit comprising: a panel having an edge; at least one light sourcepositioned to illuminate the edge; a diffuser positioned such that thediffuser diffuses light exiting the panel, the diffuser including apatterned surface; and a light reflector positioned to reflect lightexiting the panel; wherein the at least one light source is positionedbetween the light reflector and the diffuser.
 2. The ceiling fan ofclaim 1, wherein the panel comprises a light guide.
 3. The ceiling fanof claim 1, wherein the panel is positioned between the light reflectorand the diffuser.
 4. The ceiling fan of claim 1, wherein the at leastone light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED) array having aplurality of LED light sources.
 5. The ceiling fan of claim 1, whereinthe one or more fan blades are positioned between the light kit and aceiling to which the ceiling fan is mounted.
 6. The ceiling fan of claim1, further comprising: a body configured to accommodate the panel andthe at least one light source.
 7. The ceiling fan of claim 1, whereinthe ceiling fan further comprises a first switching device configured tocontrol operation of the motor, and wherein the light kit furthercomprises a second switching device configured to control operation ofthe at least one light source.
 8. The ceiling fan of claim 7, whereinthe second switching device is configured to adjust a color temperatureof light emitted from the at least one light source.
 9. The ceiling fanof claim 7, wherein the first switching device and the second switchingdevice each comprise a pull chain switch.
 10. The ceiling fan of claim7, wherein the second switching device is mounted such that the secondswitching device extends through an opening defined by the diffuser. 11.A light kit for a ceiling fan, the light kit comprising: a panel havingan edge; at least one light source positioned to illuminate the edge ofthe panel; a diffuser positioned such that the diffuser diffuses lightexiting the panel, the diffuser including a patterned surface; and alight reflector positioned to reflect light exiting the panel, whereinthe at least one light source is positioned between the light reflectorand the diffuser.
 12. The light kit of claim 11, wherein the panel ispositioned between the light reflector and the diffuser positioned todiffuse light exiting the panel.
 13. The light kit of claim 11, furthercomprising a mounting bracket configured to secure the light kit to theceiling fan.
 14. The light kit of claim 13, further comprising: a bodyhaving a lip to support the panel; and a backplate coupleable to thebody such that the panel is positioned between the backplate and the lipof the body.
 15. The light kit of claim 14, wherein the mounting bracketis removably coupled to the backplate via one or more fastenersextending through one or more slots defined by the backplate.
 16. Thelight kit of claim 11, further comprising: a switching device configuredto control operation of the at least one light source.
 17. The light kitof claim 16, wherein the switching device is mounted to a body of thelight kit.
 18. The light kit of claim 17, wherein the switching deviceis mounted such that the switching device extends through an openingdefined by the diffuser.
 19. The light kit of claim 11, wherein the atleast one light source includes a light emitting diode (LED) arrayhaving a plurality of LED light sources.
 20. The light kit of claim 11,further comprising: a camera positioned within an opening defined by thediffuser.